Glynis Smy, The Ripper, Colin Firth and Pooh Bear

Many of you will have heard of published author, Glynis Smy. 

• She's a popular blogger where you can find all your new reads.
• She has a sister site where authors can advertise their books FREE! Authors - you should check it out. She tells me that she created it as a way of thanking the author community who have helped her out.
• She's recently published an amazing-sounding novel, "Ripper, My Love" and you really have to read the blurb:

“Growing up in late nineteenth century East London, Kitty Harper’s life is filled with danger and death – from her mother, her beloved neighbour and the working women of the streets. With her ever-watchful father and living surrogate family though, Kitty feels protected from harm. In fact, she feels so safe that while Whitechapel cowers under the cloud of a fearsome murderer, she strikes out on her own, moving into new premises to accommodate her sewing business. But danger is closer than she thinks. In truth, it has burrowed itself right into her heart in the form of a handsome yet troubled bachelor, threatening everything she holds dear. Will Kitty fall prey to lust – and death – herself, or can she find the strength inside to fight for her business, sanity and her future? And who is the man terrifying the streets of East London?”

That blurb sent me straight off to Amazon to get my copy.

You can buy it here: 

KINDLE UK (also paperback)
KINDLE US (also paperback)
Book Depository UK
Book Depository (US)
Barnes & Noble

Just in case you need any more persuading, I asked Glynis to tell us a little more:

When you were researching your novel, "Ripper, My Love" did you discover anything different about Jack the Ripper? 

I certainly found facts I had never come across before. One of which was that the plain clothes police dept. was formed because of the murders. Also fingerprinting had been invented by 1888, but the police failed to make use of it. Had they done so, then maybe ‘The Ripper’ might not be so famous today. Of course there is the new theory that it might be a woman. I have often said I wondered if it was a woman.  After the second murder, even the prostitutes would have been wary of strangers, only a woman would be able to get close. She could then persuade the ‘Tom’ there was a client waiting around the corner and offer to be an escort.

From all the books you've written, who is your favorite character and why?

This is a difficult question to answer. I love all my main characters. They each have their own way of handling life. I think Maggie from Maggie’s Child (novel two out in Dec.), is to be admired the way she overcomes many dreadful events in her life. Elle Buchanan, my latest WIP main character is such a young thing, that I feel for her, and am not sure how she is going to develop. I have taken her back to my birth town Harwich, in the UK. She will have to overcome the twists I throw into plot. Kitty I will always love, she came to me first, begging to be let out into the world. Of the minor characters, I think it has to be Sidney Orris, Elle’s friend from The Man in Room Eighteen. He has a kind heart. (due 2013).

If you could organise a dinner party, which fictional characters would you invite  - would it be a successful party or a disaster?

If I was cooking I would invite Pooh Bear – I can do honey. If we were eating out, I think I would enjoy the company of Mr. Darcy in the form of Colin Firth (gotta love that lake scene). However, I am sure it would be a disaster as I am not meek and demure enough. The gown would drive me insane, ( I love my jeans), and I would fumble over the table settings for sure! Plus I would probably stare at him all night and drool.

For readers who have read and liked your books - can you suggest further reading for them? 

I enjoy Victoria Holt aka Phillipa Carr aka Jean Plaidy aka Eleanor Hibbert. She writes historical suspense with a gothic touch.

Barbara Erskine is a favourite of mine. She writes such descriptive pieces. She wrote; Hiding From The Light. It is based in Manningtree and Mistley in the UK. I emigrated from there and loved how she captured the feel of the place many years ago. I am a fan of all her books.

Here's an extract from Ripper, My Love:

‘Forget the hat, Kitty. It is you I have come to see. I could not get you out of my mind after our walk home.’

Kitty blushed and looked at the floor. She dared not look at him. Her upbringing was one that she was not used to male callers. Arthur, Patrick and her father were the only ones who visited Button and Bows. To hear a man speak in such an open manner brought about a new sensation inside, a flutter of excitement. She knew she should not respond, but should declare indignation at his forward manner. ‘James, you should n...’

James held up his hand.

‘Refrain from saying I should not speak my mind. I cannot help how I feel about you. I could not get you out of my mind. I wanted to be close to you again.’

James bent his head, despite his usual confident manner, he appeared agitated. He turned his hat around and around by the brim. Kitty watched the twirl of black until she felt giddy. She reached out and put her hand over the hat to stop him.

‘I have waited, no - longed for this moment James. I am not sure how I should behave. I am not at all certain as to what I should do in this situation. We need to talk.’

It was Kitty's turn to look down at the floor. She fiddled with the corner of her apron.

From Maggie’s Child ...

‘Yes, ma’am. I will see she speaks with you before returning home. A sad affair. Dukes said she looked dead on the floor when he arrived. Quite a shock for him, from what I gather.’

‘A shock for us all. A shock for us all.’

Maggie could hear the swishing sounds move out of the room. Alice sighed. A heavy sigh of someone with a great burden to carry. The smell of lamp oil and lavender wafted around the bed. Night time had come and she was lighting the lamps.

Maggie strained her ears. She could no longer hear the baby noises that called out to her earlier. She settled back into the soft mattress. Crisp linen smelled fresh and inviting, and she gave into the comfort of her surroundings. It was hard to fight to stay awake. Heavy limbs, an aching head and her abdomen reminded her of the attention her husband had bestowed on her a few hours previous.

Names entered her mind. People who had touched her life. Those who had destroyed it, and those who had given it to her. Only two of those names had ever received love from Maggie. In the fog of mid-sleep, Maggie remembered.

Autumn 1855; the first loving kiss touched her lips. New Year 1856; the first time she learned the intimate love of a strong man could bring a woman alive, and yet destroy her soul at the same time. Maggie recalled the smells and sounds of that night.

 Buy links: 

Amazon.com Kindle & Paperback

Amazon.co.uk  Kindle & Paperback

Barnes & Noble

The Book Depository.com

The Book Depository.co.uk

My author blog where she chats about anything that is connected with writing. www.glynissmy.com

And the fabulous sister site where authors can advertize free: http://newbookblogger.blogspot.pt/

Thank you so much for having me as a guest today, and for your support, Susan.